Rock Ride 2026

The Rock Ride is an 11-night fully supported guided road cycling tour through the Red Centre of Central Australia, running 11–22 May 2026 from Alice Springs to Uluru. Covering 598km at an average of 75km per day, the tour combines iconic outback cycling with an extraordinary program of sightseeing including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, the MacDonnell Ranges and much more. It suits mixed-ability cyclists looking for a genuine Central Australian adventure at a manageable pace.

It’s no ordinary rock…It’s Uluru!

It’s huge! It’s red! It’s a monolith towering over the surrounding dunes of central Australia!

At 3.6km long, 2km wide and 350m high it’s impressive in its grandeur and role as a true Aussie icon… and the rock we see is just the tip, with most of it hidden deep under the desert.

In the same way, ‘The Rock’ is only the tip of the ‘Rock Ride’, as we explore an array of ancient geology and culture hidden deep in this amazing desert landscape. Explore ancient gorges, valleys, waterholes, rock formations and canyons, as well as 60,000+ years of indigenous history and culture. Our ‘Rock Ride’ will visit places you may know well, others you may not have heard of, and none you will ever forget.

Come on your own, as a couple, or with friends. Come with us as we unearth the secrets and beauty of the Red Centre, one highlight at a time.

No ordinary rock, no ordinary tour.

THE TOUR AT A GLANCE

Dates: 11-22 May 2026 (11 nights)
Start: Alice Springs
Finish: Uluru/Yulara
Distance: 598km
Average Daily Distance: 75km
Expected Average Speed: 20-25kmh on flat terrain
Difficulty Rating: 6/10
Bike Type: Road bike
E-bikes: Welcome (e-gravel bikes available for hire)
Surface: Sealed bitumen roads
Terrain: Flat to undulating
Average Daily Temperatures: Min 9 | Max 23 degrees Celsius
Accommodation: Excellent outback resorts and good quality motels/station stay
Included: Accommodation, most meals, morning teas and snacks on the road, attraction/site entries, National Park fees, vehicle and guide support, maps, GPS files, luggage transport, bike mechanic (pretty much everything that you need).

Why We Love It (and We Think You Will Too)

Who Is this tour for?

Cyclists looking to experience that iconic Red Centre adventure with a focus on taking time to enjoy the non-cycling highlights of this legendary location. At 75km average daily distance with a difficulty rating of 6/10, the Rock Ride is one of AllTrails' more accessible tours — suitable for mixed-ability cyclists including those returning to multi-day touring. The relaxed pace means there's plenty of time to soak up the extraordinary landscapes and cultural experiences along the way.

Quick FAQs

Where does the Rock Ride start and finish? The Rock Ride starts in Alice Springs and finishes at Uluru/Yulara in the Northern Territory. The full route covers 598km over 11 nights, taking in the West and East MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta and Uluru.

What type of cycling is involved? Sealed bitumen road cycling throughout on flat to undulating terrain. Daily distances average 75km with an expected average speed of 20–25km/h. A road bike is recommended; e-gravel bikes are welcome and available for hire.

What level of fitness is required? A moderate level of fitness is recommended. The Rock Ride has a difficulty rating of 6/10 — one of AllTrails' more accessible outback tours. The manageable daily distances and mostly flat terrain make this a great tour for those returning to multi-day riding or looking for an achievable outback challenge.

What's included in the Rock Ride? The tour includes accommodation, most meals, morning teas and snacks on the road, attraction and site entries, National Park fees, vehicle and guide support, maps, GPS files, luggage transport and a bike mechanic. Essentially everything you need — just bring your bike and your enthusiasm.

What do previous cyclists say about this tour? Past riders consistently highlight the extraordinary scenery, the mix of cycling and sightseeing, and the hard work and good humour of the AllTrails crew. See what they say below, or visit our Testimonials page for more.

What Our Cyclists Say

"What motivated me was the chance to see one of the few well-known parts of Australia I'd never visited — and to see it by bike made it extra special. I appreciated the interesting range of accommodation, from 'Donga to Deluxe' as I think of it, and the hard work and good humour the crew brought to ensure the trip went smoothly and comfortably." Steve (ACT)

"A million thanks for a truly wonderful tour — a brilliant itinerary and the most fabulous bunch of cycling friends one could ever hope to share such a magnificent tour with. A real fair-dinkum world beater." Jan (QLD)

"A very well organised tour with a great mix of bike riding and sightseeing, very good accommodation and perfect weather. Great experience — thanks AllTrails." Jack (VIC)

"I can't think of any suggestions for improvements and there were so many highlights — the incredible Central Australian scenery, the joy of cycling along those long open roads, and the opportunities to learn things I never knew about this huge country of ours. The detailed prior planning and preparation plus non-stop hospitality and support lived up to everything I had experienced on previous AllTrails tours." James (WA)

Rock Ride Cycling Tour Gallery

 If you have any questions regarding this tour we would love to hear from you. Contact us today.